Three Arrested For April Fools’ Carjacking Prank

HESPERIA: On April 1, 2014 at approximately 10:58 p.m., Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a carjacking from the In n Out on the 17000 Block Bear Valley Road.

Upon arrival Hesperia deputies contacted 4 victims in the parking lot. They said a suspect had punched one of them and had taken his vehicle fleeing eastbound on Bear Valley Road. The vehicle and suspect descriptions were bolo’d to surrounding sheriff’s stations. Additional resources, including deputies from the Victor Valley and Victorville City stations and the sheriff’s helicopter, were mobilized to assist in the search.

In the course of his investigation, Deputy Brendan Motley determined that no crime had occurred. 3 of the alleged victims had conspired to play an April fool’s joke on their friend and staged a carjacking. The friend called 911 and reported the crime. The 3 friends continued to entertain the false report even as 12 patrol units and sheriff’s helicopter canvassed the area searching for the suspect. As a result of this prank, legitimate calls for service were delayed.

Drue Joseph Mendoza 19; Ashraf Wagdy Drieas 18; Luis Estevan Garcia 19 all from Victorville were all arrested and booked at High Desert Detention Center for PC148(a)(1), delaying or obstructing an officer and PC148.5, false report of crime.

All three face additional charges including abuse of 911 and civil penalties related to costs involved in this case.

This is an ongoing effort by the Sheriff’s Department to protect the communities it serves.

Citizens are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department or WE-TIP(1-800-87-CRIME, www.wetip.com) to report suspicious or criminal activity and can remain anonymous.